Braking assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle braking assembly for a wheel includes a braking member arranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between an inoperative and an operative position, a resilient biasing member for urging the braking member into the inoperative position, and a latch for causing the braking member to move to the operative position, the latch being operable by coded message passed by a separate transmitter as electromagnetic radiation and the assembly is provided with an EMR sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/529,773,filed Apr. 20, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,612.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel braking assembly, a novelsecurity system associated therewith, and a novel method of theftprevention, e.g., of wheeled carriages.

The novel braking assembly of the present invention may be suitably usedin a variety of vehicles. However, it is especially suited for use on orin conjunction with a shopping trolley or cart.

2. The Prior Art

European Patent No. 1 101 685 describes a vehicle braking assembly inwhich a braking member is activated by movement of the assembly over amagnetic material such that, when activated, the braking member moves toan operative position which serves to raise the wheel from the ground,hence preventing the vehicle from progressing beyond the magneticmaterial.

Other braking mechanisms are known which operate, for example, by radiosignal, infra red signal, etc. However, such braking devices generallyrequire a motor to operate the braking mechanism. One particulardisadvantage of electronic braking devices is that they require a powersource, for example, a battery, to operate the receiver and/or otherelectronic parts. For the systems to function properly, the battery mustbe constantly checked or monitored and replaced or recharged.

A further disadvantage of known braking assemblies and/or anti-theftsystems is that, once triggered, they must be reset.

I have now developed a braking assembly which overcomes or mitigatessome of the disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In particular, the braking assembly of the present invention isadvantageous in that, inter alia, a generator may be provided to powerelectronic components and/or to recharge a solid state battery.Furthermore, the generator may be operably linked to one or more wheelsof the vehicle and thus the user of the cart or trolley will provide themotion for the generator.

The braking assembly of the present invention is advantageous in that itmay be used in a manner analogous to existing assemblies, that is, toprevent a cart or trolley from being removed from, for example, aretailer's car park. However, in addition, the assembly of the inventionmay prevent a cart or trolley from being removed from the store, hencepreventing unpaid for goods from being removed from the store.

The braking assembly of the present invention may also be used on avariety of wheels, including conventionally known trolley or cartwheels, but also including wheels used on, for example, moving walkways.By the term wheel it is intended to include wheels as hereinbeforedescribed castors, etc.

Thus, according to the invention a vehicle braking assembly for a wheelis provided which comprises a braking member arranged to move relativeto the main body of the wheel between an inoperative and an operativeposition, blocking means adapted to prevent the braking member frommoving to an operative position and trigger means adapted to activatethe braking member to move to an operative position, wherein the triggermeans is operable by a coded message passed by a separate transmitter aselectromagnetic radiation and the assembly is provided with an EMRsensor.

Any conventionally known brake foot may be used. However,preferentially, the brake foot is the same or similar to that describedin European Patent No. 1 101 685 which is incorporated herein byreference.

The wheel may optionally be provided with a circumferential brake guide,e.g., in the form of a circumferential slot or groove.

Thus a wheel assembly of the invention may comprise a wheel or castorsupported in a fork and fixed using an axle fastening means, e.g., anaxle bolt. The wheel may also be provided with a peripheral brake foot.

A variety of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may be used to triggerand/or reset the braking assembly. Thus the EMR may comprise, radiowaves, i.e., short or long wave radio waves, light waves, e.g., infrared light, visible light, UV light or any combination thereof.Preferably, the light source comprises an infra red light source.

An EMR sensor may be positioned in any reasonable location on the wheelassembly, preferably the sensor is positioned in a well exposed positiontowards the upper part wheel assembly in its normal “in use” position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the braking mechanism of theinvention comprises a latch, which is operably linked to the sensor. Aninner portion of the wheel comprises recessed toothed region, positionedsuch that, when desired, the latch may engage with one or more of theteeth. Thus, when the brake is in the inoperable position, the latch isclosed and the wheel and the recessed toothed portion freely rotates.When the latch is triggered, it engages with a toothed region of therecessed portion of the wheel. The continued rotation of the wheel andthe engaged latch moves the brake from an inoperable position to anoperable and braking position.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention we provide avehicle braking assembly for a wheel which comprises a braking memberarranged to move relative to the main body of the wheel between aninoperative and an operative position, blocking means adapted to preventthe braking member from moving to an operative position and triggermeans adapted to activate the braking member to move to an operativeposition, characterised in that the trigger means comprises a latchwhich is adapted to engage with a toothed portion of the body of thewheel.

Any conventionally known blocking means may be utilised. However,preferentially, the blocking means will comprise a resilient biasingmember which is adapted to urge the braking member into the inoperableposition. Preferably, the biasing member will comprise a resilientspring, e.g. a torsion spring. The spring is preferably situatedadjacent or around the axle of the wheel assembly. In an especiallypreferred embodiment the wheel assembly may be provided with an axialhousing for resilient spring. This, in use, the spring biasing meanswill retain the brake in the inoperable position until the trigger isactivated.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the vehicle wheelassembly provided with a latch assembly as hereinbefore described maycomprise any conventionally trolley or cart wheel which requires abraking mechanism. However, preferentially, this aspect of the inventioncomprises a vehicle wheel assembly provided with a latch assemblywherein the vehicle wheel assembly is an assembly comprising a sensor ashereinbefore described.

Preferentially, the latch is adapted to operate in a radial directionand thus, the recess portion of the wheel is in a substantiallycircumferential position. Although it will be understood that the recesswhich co-operates with the latch may be positioned such that the latchmoves radially, rather than circumferentially. However, circumferentialmovement of the latch is preferred.

Furthermore, the braking system will operate with a single toothedrecess portion the reaction time to the trigger is faster if theassembly is provided, with a plurality of toothed recesses.

In the braking assembly of the invention the latch is preferablyoperated by a solenoid, electric motor, stepper motor, etc.

It is a particular advantage of the present invention that the brakingmechanism does not require that it be manually reset. Thus, after thesolenoid and latch mechanism has been triggered so as to activate thebrakinq mechanism, a second EMR source may be provided which acts as aresetting beam, e.g., triggering the solenoid, motor and/or bellows torevert to its rest position. Thus the action of the aforementionedbiasing means which urges the braking mechanism into an inoperableposition, acts to reset the assembly without need for manualinterference.

Furthermore, in a retail environment that has, for example, an EMStagging security system, such an EMS system may be linked to an EMRsource transmitter as hereinbefore described, thus, for example sendinga brake triggering message to braking assembly device on the wheelcausing the brake to activate immediately.

The solenoid or motor may preferably be provided with a support powersupply, e.g., in the form of a battery and a programmable integratedchip. It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide awheel assembly which is also adapted to act as a generator.

Thus, in a further aspect of the invention a vehicle wheel assemblyadapted to act as a power generator comprises a fixed body member and arotatably mounted wheel member, characterised in that one of the bodymember and the wheel member is provided with a stator and the othermember is provided with a plurality of permanent magnets which are ofalternating polarity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stationary portion ofthe wheel assembly, e.g., the portion housing the latch assembly, may beprovided with a stator and the rotatable portion of the wheel assemblye.g., the wheel itself may be provided with one or more permanentmagnets. Preferentially, the wheel is provided with a plurality ofpermanent magnets which are of alternating polarity. Thus, in use,rotation of the wheel causes the permanent magnets to pass the statorand generate an electromagnetic field current.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the vehicle wheelassembly provided with a power generator as hereinbefore described maycomprise any conventionally trolley or cart wheel which requires a powersource and/or battery recharge system. However, preferentially, thisaspect of the invention comprises a vehicle wheel assembly provided witha power generator wherein the vehicle wheel assembly is an assemblycomprising a sensor as hereinbefore described.

Preferably, the stator is linked to means for recharging a batteryand/or means for storing the power generated. It will be understood byone skilled in the art that this aspect of the invention may utilise aplurality of permanent magnets in the latch housing and a stator in therotatable wheel.

Furthermore, this aspect of the invention is novel per se and maytherefore be used in conventionally known trolley wheels or castorswhich require a power source.

The braking assembly of the invention is advantageous in that, interalia, it is capable of operating under the influence of, for example, aradio signal, infra red signal, etc. Therefore, not only can theassembly be used in, for example, preventing a wheeled vehicle beingremoved from a store perimeter, it may, by the correct positioning of anEMR source, be utilised as an in-store anti-theft device.

Furthermore, the assembly of the invention is advantageous in that itdoes not require a power source or, if the assembly is provided with aback-up power source, e.g. in the form of a battery cell, it does notrequire recharging or replacing. A yet further advantage of the assemblyif the invention is that it comprises means for resetting the brakingassembly at an appropriate moment after the braking mechanism has beentriggered.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a wheel of the invention with a braking memberin a first, inoperable position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the wheel with the braking member in a second,operable position;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the wheel in the first, inoperable position;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the wheel in the first, inoperable position;

FIG. 5 is an internal side view of one wheel of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the braking member;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the body of the device;

FIG. 8 is an internal side view of the internal face of a second wheel;

FIG. 9 is a view of the wheel through line 1 showing both rotor andstator;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the wheel showing a standard rubber tireor a travelator (walkway) wheel; and

FIG. 11 is a view of an emitter of a twin beam showing the generaleffect on the wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the illustrated embodiment there is provided a castor 1 havingconnection means to the vehicle through forks and a bolt arrangementthat allows rotation between the wheel and the vehicle. From the sideview in FIG. 1 there is also seen a wheel 3 which rotates about the axle4 and brake member 5 which is shown here in its first or non brakingposition and in FIG. 2 in its second or braking position. In FIG. 3.viewing the device from the front there is provided two wheels 3 a and 3b within the castor and a body 6 that will remain fixed in relation tothe castor. In such cases where there is a fixed central body it ispossible to have the fixing means to the vehicle from the fixed body butfor strength reasons this is unlikely to be the preferred option. Thefixed body allows for the inclusion of the electronic components of thedevice including the light receiver 7 if the device is operated byinfrared means.

There is also provided in the body a slot 8 that allows for the rotationof the brake member from its first to its second position. A view of theback, trailing aspect, of the castor is shown on FIG. 4.

When the device is triggered, there is engagement between the brakingmember 5 and wheel 3 a. There is in wheel 3 a provided a toothedconnection means 9 which in the preferred embodiment is in a recessshown in FIGS. 5 and 10. As the wheel will be rotating as part of normaluse, when the latch 10 is operated around pivot point 11 as shown inFIG. 6, there will be a connection between tooth and latch which willdrive the brake member to rotate from its first to its second andtriggered position. The braking member also includes the brake foot 12which comes between the wheel and the ground in the braking position.There is provided within the body the slot 8, but this is limited inlength to stop the brake member from rotating through too great andangle and become ineffective. There is shown on the braking member acontact point that will come against the end of the slot to preventfurther rotation. There is also provided in the braking member a cutaway section 14 which will allow for the provision of a solenoid ormotor 15.

In FIG. 7 there is shown a body of the castor 6 with light collector 7and solenoid or motor 15. There is provided within a body a sealedchamber 16 which will also contain a programmable integrated chip 17 anda rechargeable support battery 18. The solenoid could then operate fromwithin this sealed area and its required movement can be transmittedthrough flexible bellows 19. When triggered the solenoid or motor 15will extend and rotate the latch around pivot point 11 to engage one ofthe teeth 9 within the wheel 3 a.

When the braking system is no longer required. the solenoid or motor 15will return from its extended position and thereby allow the latch todrop out of engagement. In order to return the braking member to itsfirst position. there is provided a spring 20 which will be overcomewhile the user is pushing the trolley against the tooth connection. butwhen there is no pushing. it will bring the braking member back to itsfirst position. There is also provided a stop section 21 in slot 8.

If the wheel is used in conjunction with a moving walkway. there will beprovided on the base of the body a pad 22 which will grip the grid ofthe moving walkway in the usual way.

FIG. 8 shows wheel 3 b which has set into it a number of magnets 23which are arranged with a north pole and a south pole facing inwardalternately to provide a rotor as part of the generator. The stator 25,as shown in FIG. 9 being a view through line 1 with the inclusion of thestator, is coil arrangement 24 of known type. As a small wheel such as a125 mm castor rotates often while being pushed at a reasonable walkingpace, it is expected that a generator of this type will provide amplepower for the device's requirements. Advantageously a generatorconstructed in this way could have a membrane between the rotor and thestator that will prevent the ingress of dirt from damaging the workingsof the stator. FIG. 10 shows the recess within wheel 3 a and two kindsof tire one conventional rubber or polyurethane 10 a and the othersuitable for the walkway application 10 b.

FIG. 11 shows a likely use of the invention at the perimeter of thestore car park where twin and parallel beams are emitted from a singleor duel container. The programmable chip in the device will respond todifferent coded messages contained within the beams. In the illustrationbeam 26 will be recognised as a reset instruction and beam 27 as atrigger message. Therefore, and assuming that the vehicle is in areapermitted by the owner, when the vehicle is being pushed out through thebeams it will receive a reset message which will be ignored and then thetrigger message. In response to the trigger message the solenoid ormotor 15 will operate outward to rotate the latch 10 and generallyengage the brake member 5 with the wheel 3 a. The solenoid or motor mayonly operate for a given period but then operate again if the vehicle isnot pushed through the reset beam. When the device is pushed or draggedthrough the reset beam, then the motor will operate and the return means20 will bring the brake member to its inoperable position. A similaroperation could be achieved by the use of two radio transmitters whereone signal is generally set beyond the first.

Advantageously, the same system of triggering the device can be used inthe store where the device receives a message from a transmitter as itenters an area, for example a supermarket sales floor. The device willreceive a number of other messages from additional emitters within thearea to which it may respond by braking. The general purpose of thiswould be to permit a trolley to leave the store only if it had passedthrough a paying point, for example a check out desk. Various timerlockouts can be programmed in to the chip to allow, for example, atrolley to leave within sixty seconds as experience has shown thatpeople walk in and out of stores without shopping. In this way thepresent invention can both prevent trolleys from being removed from thesite but also prevent goods from being removed by trolley if they havenot passed through the payment area.

1. A vehicle braking assembly for a wheel, which comprises a braking member arranged to move relative to a main body of the wheel between an inoperative position and an operative position, blocking means comprising a resilient biasing member adapted to urge the braking member into the inoperative position and trigger means adapted to move the braking member to the operative position; wherein the trigger means comprises a latch which is adapted to engage with a toothed portion of the body of the wheel to provide engagement between the braking member and the wheel, whereby rotation of the wheel drives the braking member from the inoperative position to the operative position.
 2. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 1, wherein an inner portion of the wheel comprises a recessed toothed region positioned such that when the trigger is activated, the latch engages with a tooth.
 3. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 2, wherein when the brake is in the inoperative position, the latch is closed and the wheel and the recessed toothed portion of the wheel freely rotate, and when the trigger is activated the latch engages with a toothed portion of the recessed region of the wheel, which acts to move the brake from an inoperative position to an operative position.
 4. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 3, wherein the latch is adapted to operate in a radial direction and the toothed portion of the wheel comprises a substantially circumferential recess.
 5. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wheel is provided with a plurality of toothed recesses.
 6. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the resilient biasing member comprises a resilient spring.
 7. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 6, wherein the spring is situated adjacent or around an axle of the wheel assembly.
 8. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 7, including an axial housing for the wheel assembly for the resilient spring.
 9. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the braking member comprises a peripheral brake foot.
 10. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 9, wherein the peripheral brake foot comes between the wheel and a ground surface in the operative position.
 11. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the latch is operably linked to a sensor.
 12. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 10, wherein the trigger means is operable by a coded message passed by a transmitter.
 13. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 11, wherein electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is used to trigger and/or reset the braking assembly.
 14. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the braking member is adapted to be automatically reset.
 15. The vehicle braking assembly according to claim 14, including an EMR source which acts as a resetting beam. 